The upcoming NBA media rights deal is poised to be one of the biggest stories in sports media this year. The ripple effects might be wide-ranging, more than we even think now. One aspect that could be altered is the future of the hit show Inside the NBA. Would Ernie Johnson make the move away from WBD if they lost the rights? It doesn’t sound like it.
EJ has been the host of Inside the NBA for decades. The show is easily TNT’s crown jewel and the best pregame sports show in the land. There are few who argue this, and it can be argued that Inside is just as integral to the NBA as the games themselves. But change could be afoot. NBC is reportedly serious about taking the media rights in the new deal, which could squeeze WBD out.
Should that happen, it doesn’t sound like Johnson is prepared to make a move elsewhere.
Sports Business Journal reported on Thursday that while the pending rights leave the future in doubt, Johnson is currently committed to staying in Atlanta.
Ernie Johnson would remain at Turner whether the NBA stays or not —meaning next season could be the last for TNT’s award-winning studio show “Inside the NBA.’’ https://t.co/zQyGAFmnXP
— Sports Business Journal (@SBJ) May 2, 2024
The report indicates Johnson would stay on to provide a studio presence for the NCAA Tournament and Major League Baseball. “Loyalty” has been presented as one of the prominent reasons, if not the most prominent reason he’d choose to stay with WBD.
The sports world, though, was dismayed by this news, if the reactions that poured out were any indication.
I don't even want to contemplate an NBA without the great @TurnerSportsEJ (or Inside the NBA, for that matter). https://t.co/nllny2tevv
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) May 2, 2024
DAVID ZASLAV SHOULD BE SACKED IMMEDIATELY https://t.co/N1YoPTo8Xc
— X🇵🇸 (@XTheExiled) May 2, 2024
Guys, you need to start preparing to say goodbye to inside the NBA as you know it. https://t.co/VsDwZLN3Ds
— 🎓 runnin'💛 (@busyxb) May 2, 2024
Ernie been with Turner for a very long time so it makes sense https://t.co/rBnOsnOxiN
— Flossu Rabban (@SoulBrother_89) May 2, 2024
I’d rather lose the NBA than Inside the NBA https://t.co/3UU4sJnuDj
— Sir Yacht (@SirYacht_) May 2, 2024
[SBJ]